Assessment of the validity of two plaque indices

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene research
• Dental public health

Background:

• Accurate assessment of oral hygiene is crucial for preventive dentistry.
• Existing plaque indices, like the Silness and Löe Index (PlI), are widely used.
• The validity of newer indices, such as the Podshadley and Haley Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHPI), requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the validity of the Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHPI) and the Silness and Löe Index (PlI).
• To determine if both indices accurately reflect the amount of plaque present on accessible tooth surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fifty children aged 11-12 years participated in the study.
• A single examiner assessed plaque levels using both the PHPI and PlI.
• Plaque was collected from all accessible smooth surfaces, and its dry weight was determined for objective measurement.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between plaque dry weight and the Silness and Löe Index (PlI) (r = 0.61).
• A statistically significant positive correlation was also found between plaque dry weight and the Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHPI) (r = 0.63).
• The correlation coefficients for both indices were very similar, indicating comparable validity.

Conclusions:

• Both the Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHPI) and the Silness and Löe Index (PlI) are valid and reliable measures of plaque accumulation on accessible smooth surfaces.
• The findings suggest that either index can be effectively used in pediatric populations to assess oral hygiene performance.